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Itinerary for Oct 25 — Nov 10, 2014

Description: Located at only 15 minutes from the Rabat-Sale international airport and literally located right next to it are two of the most recognized monuments within our fascinating Kingdom, the Hassan Tower, and the mausoleum of the late King Mohamed V

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: EUR 165.57*As of Jan 2012, the rates published on the hotel's website for a Standard room (1 single bed) is MAD 1,336.00 (EUR 120.48) per room, per night and for the Executive room (1 double bed) MAD 1,836.00 (EUR 165.57) per room, per night. Breakfast excluded. (Tax and service charges included).
* Rates subject to change

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Two: Sunday, October 26 - Welcome to Morocco

Afternoon: Arrival to Rabat Sale Airport and Meet the group leader.
Check in at the hotel
Orientation Session: Morocco 101

Description: Located at only 15 minutes from the Rabat-Sale international airport and literally located right next to it are two of the most recognized monuments within our fascinating Kingdom, the Hassan Tower, and the mausoleum of the late King Mohamed V

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: EUR 165.57*As of Jan 2012, the rates published on the hotel's website for a Standard room (1 single bed) is MAD 1,336.00 (EUR 120.48) per room, per night and for the Executive room (1 double bed) MAD 1,836.00 (EUR 165.57) per room, per night. Breakfast excluded. (Tax and service charges included).
* Rates subject to change

Note: All the lectures are going to be in a conference room with air-conditioning, the lectures last for about 1:30 with a break of 20 minutes coffee break. The tour of Rabat I is going to be on the bus the whole time.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Bus Tour: Daily Life in Rabat
Lecture: Moroccan Politics

Lunch: Lunch at the Center

Afternoon: Lecture: the Veil in Islam and women issues
The Veil in Islam has always been intriguing to both Muslims and non-Muslims. One finds a wide diversity in the definitions of the veil and its religious and social significance. This lecture aims at helping us understand this diversity and provides the social, historical and religious contexts of the veil in Islam.
Lecture: Moroccan Costumes
This session's objective is to clarify the different head covering and dresses that women wear in different regions of Morocco, depending on the tribes they belong to, depending on their interpretation of the religion, and depending on the situation they are in.Costumes of Morocco will be presented in this session in a fashion show format. Samples of Moroccan costumes, for both men and women, representing different regions, will be displayed. These costumes include the traditional outdoor dress in both rural and urban areas, as well as the fancy outfits worn on special occasions.

Description: Located at only 15 minutes from the Rabat-Sale international airport and literally located right next to it are two of the most recognized monuments within our fascinating Kingdom, the Hassan Tower, and the mausoleum of the late King Mohamed V

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: EUR 165.57*As of Jan 2012, the rates published on the hotel's website for a Standard room (1 single bed) is MAD 1,336.00 (EUR 120.48) per room, per night and for the Executive room (1 double bed) MAD 1,836.00 (EUR 165.57) per room, per night. Breakfast excluded. (Tax and service charges included).
* Rates subject to change

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Four: Tuesday, October 28 -

Note: All the lectures are going to be in a conference room with air-conditioning, the lectures last for about 1:30 with a break of 20 minutes coffee break.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the Hotel

Morning: Visit Chellah, Hassan Tower and the Oudaya Gardens

Lunch: Lunch with the group

Afternoon: Lecture: Arab spring and Social Movements in Morocco
Experiential Session: Hands-on sessions in traditional Moroccan cooking.
At the time of micro-waves, frozen food, and processed food, at the time also of working women and tight daily schedule, Moroccan families or more exactly Moroccan women, still spend a lot of time in preparing their meals. Making Couscous is time consuming and the process is so complicated that the woman's skill is evaluated with how delicious her couscous is! In this experiential session, the process of preparing couscous will be demonstrated and explained. The different recipes of couscous will also be uncovered to show the variety and the different uses of spices, meat, vegetables, and sauces, the combination of sweet and salty, the social importance and the symbolism of couscous in Moroccan culture

Dinner: Dinner wth the group

Evening: Musical Performance: Andalusian Music
Musical performance prepared for this with readings of Arabic poetry reflecting the Andalusian heritage in Morocco

Description: Overlooking the beautiful mountainous town of Chefchaouen (or Chaouen), Hotel Riad Chaouen is the unique hotel of its standing in town, with a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding area. Renovated in 2006, it features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness area, a hammam and a Jacuzzi.

Description: Overlooking the beautiful mountainous town of Chefchaouen (or Chaouen), Hotel Riad Chaouen is the unique hotel of its standing in town, with a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding area. Renovated in 2006, it features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness area, a hammam and a Jacuzzi.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Six: Thursday, October 30 -

Note: The city of Chefchaouen is located on hills. The field trip through the town is 3 hours with 20 min stops at the different sites. Participants can be transferred back to the hotel at any point during the field trip if desired.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning:
Guided visit of the Medina Explore the town of Chefchaouen which is famous for its blue-rinsed houses and buildings, a tradition that comes from the town's former Jewish population. It offers many native handicrafts that are not available elsewhere in Morocco, such as wool garments and woven blankets. The goat cheese native to the area is also popular here

Description: The Hotel Palais Jamai is a palace built in 1879 in the finest Moorish style and was the home of the Grand Vizir of Jamaï. Surrounded by superb gardens and located close to the El Karayouine University, this architectural gem towers above the Fez Medina wich is on UNES CO World Heritage List.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Seven: Friday, October 31 -

Note: The drives between each of the cities are 1.5 hours in duration with a rest stop between each city. In Ouezzane, choose between walking on an uneven terrain or getting a ride to the private home where lunch will take place.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Bus leaves Chefchaouen for Fes via Ouazzane
En route to Fez, stop in Ouezzane. A town north of Fez, Ouezzane is considered a holy city by Morocco's Jewish population, and is a popular destination for those wishing to venerate the tombs of several Moroccan saints known in Berber Marabouts. Take a field trip to a typical rural weekly market and an excursion to The Mosque of Moulay Abdellah Cherif.
Bus Lecture: Health care system in Morocco

Lunch: Lunch with the group in a private house in Ouazzane

Afternoon: Lecture: Sufism in Islam
Religion in Morocco is a combination of both Knowledge and Popular Culture. Knowledge is based on the written texts and belief in popular culture is a more concrete entity that is expressed through rituals and practices that are sometimes unique to Morocco. Our visits to the sanctuary towns such as Chefchaouen, Ouezzane, Mouley Idriss and Fes will highlight the idea of spirituality, Sufism, Moroccan mysticism and sainthood, and the concept of Maraboutism in Morocco.
Resume the trip to Fes
Field Trip: Farming and Agriculture
Check in at the Hotel

Description: The Hotel Palais Jamai is a palace built in 1879 in the finest Moorish style and was the home of the Grand Vizir of Jamaï. Surrounded by superb gardens and located close to the El Karayouine University, this architectural gem towers above the Fez Medina wich is on UNES CO World Heritage List.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Eight: Saturday, November 01 -

Note: The field trip through Fes is 5.5 hours in duration including several stops and lunch in between. Participants can be transferred back to the hotel at any point during the field trip if desired.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Guided Visit: Daily Life in the Old Medina of Fes
Local guides of the city of Fes will accompany the group through the narrow streets and alleys of Fes. Our senses will be challenged through the smells, sights and the sounds of the oldest Islamic city. Fes displays its beauty to the visitors through its Arab and Islamic architecture. We will explore different monuments such as the Medersa, the Foundouq museum, the tanneries and will walk by the mausoleum where the founder of the first Islamic dynasty is buried as well as the Qaraouyine Mosque built by a woman in the 9th century

Lunch: Lunch in the heart of the medina in a local Moroccan restaurant.

Afternoon: Resume the tour of Fes
Coach back to the hotel
followed by free time.

Description: The Hotel Palais Jamai is a palace built in 1879 in the finest Moorish style and was the home of the Grand Vizir of Jamaï. Surrounded by superb gardens and located close to the El Karayouine University, this architectural gem towers above the Fez Medina wich is on UNES CO World Heritage List.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Nine: Sunday, November 02 -

Note: The visit to Volibulis is two hours in length. The bus will be parked within a 15 minute walking distance from the site and participants can return to it at any time

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Bus leaves for Volubulis
Bus lecture: Educational System in Morocco
Guided Visit: The Roman Ruins of Volubilis where you will have time to visit these Roman Ruins. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Volubilis features the best preserved Roman Ruins in North Africa. Archaeological evidence suggests initial settlement occurring in 40 AD upon a pre-existing Carthaginian site dating back to 3rd century BC. Eventually, Volubilis emerged as the administrative center in Roman Africa until an earthquake compelled its residents to abandon the city in the late 4th century AD. Since 2000, archaeological excavations have been carried out by the University College, London and the Moroccan Institut National des Sciences de l'Archeogie et du Patrimoine.

Description: Evening, dinner and private live musical performance in the camps; night under nomadic comfortable tents in double and single accommodation as requested for the whole program. The experience is unique in the setting of tents, the natural environment, the meeting with the locals and the magical rhythms of the gnaoua genre inspired from Sub-Saharan origins. An optional camel ride, at extra cost on site and upon request, is also available. And hopefully a nice sunset and sunrise to all...

Contact info: desert of Hassi labiad – MerzougaHassia Labiad, Moroccophone: +011212 5 35 57 70 37Facility amenities: Restrooms available outside of tents are on site for that night, but nature is also nice to be used at times...
Nice beds, warm blankets, electricity available in and outside of tents, safety by the presence of local staff.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Bathroom: Western toilets are available on site.

Day Eleven: Tuesday, November 04 -

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Bus leaves for Rissani
Field Trip: The souk of Rissani,
Field Trip: Ksour of Tafilalt, the medieval city and the largest Saharan oasis of Morocco.The oasis comprises the fortified villages of Erfoud, Arab Sebbah du Ziz, Rissani, Seffalat, Aoufous, and Jorf, together with palm groves stretching 30 miles (50 km) along the Wadi Ziz. Tafilalt is noted for its dates, most of which it exports. Architecture in the Desert Lecture: The Nomads of Morocco

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant- Rissani

Afternoon: Board 4-wheel drive vehicles for excursion to the dunes of Merzouga
This afternoon board 4-wheel-drive vehicles for an excursion to the dunes of Merzouga. Then, visit an NGO in the desert village of Hassi Labied and meet its members; children & women benefiting from literacy classes and more. Also learn about irrigation systems in the desert. Take a camel ride to the top of the dunes to enjoy the sunset.

Dinner: Dinner in the tent camp

Evening: Musical Performance; Gnawa of Khamlia. Watch a performance of Sub-Saharan Moroccan music and dance called Gnawa of Khamlia. Gnawa or Gnaoua refers to both a style of music that fuses classical Islamic Sufism with Pre-Islamic traditions, and an ethnic group/religious order partly descended from former slaves. Characterized by deep low toned sinter melodies, call and response singing, hand clapping and cymbals, Gnawa music strives to evoke a deep hypnotic trance, often aimed at frightening off evil spirits.

Description: The Ibis Moussafir Ouarzazate hotel is located in the center of Ouarzazate close to the desert and 10 minutes from the airport. Each of the hotel's 104 rooms is fully equipped with satellite TV, free Wi-Fi Internet access, air conditioning and direct telephone line.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Twelve: Wednesday, November 05 -

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Take Jeeps to Erfoud
Bus leaves to Ouarzazate via Tinjdad and Tinghir
Field trip: Oasis and Palm Trees

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant - Todgha Gorges

Afternoon: Bus lecture: Human rights violations and Truth and Reconciliation process in Morocco
History of Human rights in Morocco
Resume trip to Ouarzazate
Continue to Ouarzazate, on the bus learn about the western Sahara. Then, drive through the Road of 1000 Kasbahs and stop at Kalaa M'Gouna (The Roses Valley).
Upon arrival in Ouarzazate, check into the hotel.
Check in at the Hotel

Facility amenities: Facility Amenities :
The Hotel Atlas medina offers rooms all equipped with a direct Dial Telephone, TV gives access to satellite channels. A refrigerator. The air-conditioned rooms at Atlas Medina & Spa come with a TV and private bathroom. Some rooms have a terrace overlooking the pool or garden and all rooms have free Wi-Fi internet
Reception open 24 hours on 24, Concierge services, Currency exchange,Wireless Internet Access,library, air conditioning
Guests have access to Atlas Medina’s swimming pools and garden with palm trees, as well as spa access available for an additional fee. A fitness center is also offered at the hotel.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Thirteen: Thursday, November 06 -

Note: The drive to Marrakech will cross the high Atlas Mountains in which part of this drive will be at an elevation of 7,200 ft.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Guided Visit to Kasbah Glaoui
Take an excursion to the Kasbah Glaoui , Palace of the last ruling family of southern Morocco, led by a native guide. Then depart for Marrakech
Bus Lecture: Sahara Issues
Resume trip to Marrakech

Facility amenities: Facility Amenities :
The Hotel Atlas medina offers rooms all equipped with a direct Dial Telephone, TV gives access to satellite channels. A refrigerator. The air-conditioned rooms at Atlas Medina & Spa come with a TV and private bathroom. Some rooms have a terrace overlooking the pool or garden and all rooms have free Wi-Fi internet
Reception open 24 hours on 24, Concierge services, Currency exchange,Wireless Internet Access,library, air conditioning
Guests have access to Atlas Medina’s swimming pools and garden with palm trees, as well as spa access available for an additional fee. A fitness center is also offered at the hotel.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Fourteen: Friday, November 07 -

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Orientation field trip through Marrakech. Known as the Red City and an important former imperial city, it lies at the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Marrakech has the largest traditional market in Morocco and also has one of the busiest squares in Africa and the world, Djemaa el Fna. The square bustles with acrobats, story-tellers, water sellers, dancers, and musicians. By night food stalls open in the square turning it into a huge busy open-air restaurant.
Guided Visit of Marrakech, Koutoubia Mosque, El-Bahia palace and Ben-Youssef Mederssa

Facility amenities: Facility Amenities :
The Hotel Atlas medina offers rooms all equipped with a direct Dial Telephone, TV gives access to satellite channels. A refrigerator. The air-conditioned rooms at Atlas Medina & Spa come with a TV and private bathroom. Some rooms have a terrace overlooking the pool or garden and all rooms have free Wi-Fi internet
Reception open 24 hours on 24, Concierge services, Currency exchange,Wireless Internet Access,library, air conditioning
Guests have access to Atlas Medina’s swimming pools and garden with palm trees, as well as spa access available for an additional fee. A fitness center is also offered at the hotel.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Fifteen: Saturday, November 08 -

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Departure to the Boulouane village

Lunch: Lunch and open group discussion with the villagers

Afternoon: Tea ceremony
Optional walk in the village
Departure for Marrakech

Description: The Ibis Moussafir Casablance City Center hotel is a newly opened hotel in the heart of Casablanca. Its unique features are it proximity to the old medina, and its location by the main train station in Casablanca casa-Port. Its is also located 30 minutes away from Mohamed V airport and is a short distance from the sea shore, the old downtown, business district, Hassan II mosque, shopping centers, musems and the port

Important information about your itinerary: Please know that while we do everything we can to finalize all aspects of our programs well in advance, there are logistics that occasionally must be altered. Our website will reflect the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than eight weeks prior to the start of programs outside the U.S. and three weeks prior to the start of programs within the U.S. If you ever have questions about your program, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

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The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!